Strut spring compressor and method

Abstract

An apparatus and method for use in assembling and disassembling a strut assembly having a shock absorber axially disposed within a coil spring includes a frame, a first section secured to the frame to support one portion of the strut assembly, a second section including a compression head secured to and axially adjustable relative to the frame, the second section including a compression element arrangement to impart a force on a second portion of the strut assembly and urge the spring to compress as the compression head is axially moved toward the first section, and urging structure to move the second section toward and away from the first section. The compression element arrangement includes at least three holders, each of the at least three holders is independently axially adjustable relative to the frame. The compression head includes a spider member having a hub with arms, the hub being secured to the urging structure, and each of the arms being secured to the compression element arrangement.

We claim: 
     
       1. An apparatus for use in assembling and disassembling a strut assembly having a shock absorber axially disposed within a coil spring; the apparatus comprising: a frame; a first section secured to the frame to support one portion of the strut assembly; a second section including a compression head secured to and axially adjustable relative to the frame; the second section including a compression element arrangement to impart a force on a second portion of the strut assembly and urge the spring to compress as the compression head is axially moved toward the first section; an urging structure to move the second section toward and away from the first section;
 wherein the improvement comprises: 
 (a) the compression element arrangement includes at least 3 holders; each of the at least 3 holders being independently axially adjustable relative to the frame; 
 (b) the compression head includes a spider member having a hub and a plurality of arms;
 (i) the hub being secured to the urging structure; 
 
 (c) the compression head includes at least 3 axial translators; each axial translator being:
 (i) independently axially adjustable relative to the frame; 
 (ii) secured to one of the arms of the plurality of arms; and 
 (iii) secured to one of the holders of the at least 3 holders; and 
 
 (d) each of the axial translators includes a frame sleeve slidable over the frame. 
 
     
     
       2. An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) the frame includes at least 3 posts; each of the frame sleeves being slidably disposed around one of the 3 posts. 
 
     
     
       3. An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) each of the axial translators further includes a holder sleeve; each of the holder sleeves retaining one of the 3 holders. 
 
     
     
       4. An apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein:
 (a) the frame includes at least 3 posts; each of the frame sleeves being slidably disposed around one of the 3 posts; 
 (b) each of the axial translators is adjustable axially relative to one of the arms of the spider member; and 
 (c) each of the holders includes a rod having a hook; each rod being radially adjustable relative to the frame and rotationally adjustable relative to the holder sleeve. 
 
     
     
       5. An apparatus for use in assembling and disassembling a strut assembly having a shock absorber axially disposed within a coil spring; the apparatus comprising: a frame; a first section secured to the frame to support one portion of the strut assembly; a second section including a compression head secured to and axially adjustable relative to the frame; the second section including a compression element arrangement to impart a force on a second portion of the strut assembly and urge the spring to compress as the compression head is axially moved toward the first section; an urging structure to move the second section toward and away from the first section;
 wherein the improvement comprises: 
 the compression element arrangement includes at least 3 holders; each of the at least 3 holders being independently axially adjustable relative to the frame; and 
 each of the holders includes a rod having a hook; each rod being radially adjustable relative to the frame. 
 
     
     
       6. An apparatus for use in assembling and disassembling a strut assembly having a shock absorber axially disposed within a coil spring; the apparatus comprising: a frame; a first section secured to the frame to support one portion of the strut assembly; a second section including a compression head secured to and axially adjustable relative to the frame; the second section including a compression element arrangement to impart a force on a second portion of the strut assembly and urge the spring to compress as the compression head is axially moved toward the first section; an urging structure to move the second section toward and away from the first section;
 wherein the improvement comprises: 
 (a) the compression element arrangement includes at least 3 holders; each of the at least 3 holders being independently axially adjustable relative to the frame; 
 (b) the frame includes a top plate; 
 (c) the urging structure includes:
 (i) a threaded shaft extending through the top plate; 
 (ii) first and second hubs on opposite sides of the top plate; the second hub being mounted by way of a bearing to allow the first and second hubs to be turnable; the shaft extending through the first and second hubs and the bearing; and 
 (iii) a handle secured to the first hub; the handle being rotatable relative to the shaft to axially move the shaft relative to the frame; 
 
 (d) the frame further includes a bottom plate and at least 3 posts connecting the top plate and the bottom plate; 
 (e) the compression head includes a spider member having a hub and a plurality of arms;
 (i) the hub being secured to the threaded shaft and axially moves with the threaded shaft; and 
 
 (f) the compression head includes at least 3 axial translators; each axial translator:
 (i) having a frame sleeve axially slidable over one of the 3 posts of the frame; 
 
 (ii) being secured to and axially adjustable relative to one of the arms of the plurality of arms; and
 (iii) having a holder sleeve retaining one of the holders of the at least 3 holders.